Language has a funny way of splitting hairs over the simplest things like whether to say “smelled” or “smelt.” So, what’s the past tense of smell? Are smelled and smelt both correct, or is one simply a typo that went too far?
Let’s dive nose-first into this.
Keyword + Intro Explanation
The verb “to smell” is one of those delightful chameleons in the English language it can end in either -ed or -t when used in the past tense. That gives us two versions:
- Smelled
- Smelt
Now, don’t worry this isn’t one of those grammar traps where only one is “right.” In fact, both are grammatically acceptable. The choice depends largely on geography, formality, and even tone.
Let’s explore the difference between smelled and smelt, and when to use which one.
Simple Definition + Usage Overview
- Smelled is the regular past tense of “smell.” It’s preferred in American English.
- Smelt is the irregular verb form, more common in British English.
They both mean the same thing to perceive an odor using the nose but the form you choose can give off different linguistic vibes.
Example:
- US: “She smelled the roses in the garden.”
- UK: “She smelt the roses in the garden.”
Clear Rules & Patterns
Let’s break it down grammatically.
H3: Verb Conjugations of “Smell”
| Tense | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form | smell | I smell coffee. |
| Past Simple | smelled / smelt | I smelled something burning. / I smelt smoke. |
| Present Participle | smelling | He is smelling the soup. |
| Past Participle | smelled / smelt | We have smelled trouble. / We have smelt danger. |
So when someone asks, “Is it smelled or smelt?” the answer is both, depending on usage.
Bulleted Rules with Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Use “smelled” in formal writing, especially if you’re in the US.
- Use “smelt” in British English, literature, or creative writing.
- Choose consistently don’t mix both in the same document unless for contrast.
❌ Don’t:
- Use “smelt” in US academic or technical writing it might look like a typo.
- Assume smelt is a mistake it’s not, especially in UK English.
Multiple Example Sentences
Let’s take a look at how these appear in real-life sentences.
US English Examples (Smelled):
- “I smelled garlic as soon as I walked in.”
- “They smelled success after months of hard work.”
- “Have you smelled this perfume before?”
UK English Examples (Smelt):
- “He smelt of cigarettes and rain.”
- “She smelt gas and called the landlord.”
- “They have smelt victory before it’s nothing new to them.”
Scenario Example – Email
📧 Email Example Using “Smelled”
Subject: Feedback on the Office Kitchen
Hi Morgan,
I just wanted to let you know that when I came in this morning, I smelled something burning near the toaster. I unplugged it just in case, but it might need checking.
Thanks,
Tyler
📧 Email Example Using “Smelt”
Subject: Noticed a Strange Odour in the Flat
Hi Avery,
I walked in this evening and immediately smelt gas in the corridor. It could be a leak, so I’ve alerted the building supervisor. Just thought you should know in case you were planning to cook tonight.
Best,
Declan
Before/After Examples in Everyday and Formal Contexts
Everyday
- Before: I smelled pizza downstairs.
- After: I smelt pizza downstairs. (UK tone, more casual)
Formal
- Before: The witness smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath.
- After: The witness smelt alcohol on the driver’s breath. (UK, slightly old-fashioned)
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Let’s clear up some confusion.
| Mistake | Why It’s Incorrect | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| I smelt something fishy. (in US academic essay) | Smelt may be flagged as a spelling error in US English. | I smelled something fishy. |
| She have smelled that before. | Incorrect auxiliary verb. | She has smelled that before. |
| They smelleded the roses. | Double past form (nonstandard). | They smelled the roses. |
Quick Reference Table
| Region | Preferred Past Tense | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Smelled | Standard in writing and speech |
| United Kingdom | Smelt | Acceptable, slightly more literary |
| Canada | Smelled / Smelt | Both in use |
| Australia | Smelt | Commonly accepted |
| Formal Writing | Smelled (globally) | More universally clear |
Language Origin + Etymology of “Smelt”
If you’re curious about the roots, “smelt” isn’t just a fish (though it is that, too). The verb comes from Middle English and shares ties with Low German “smelen” and Middle Dutch “smolen”, which relate to the idea of burning or giving off odor pretty poetic, right?
This irregular verb form variation stuck around in the UK but got replaced by the regular “-ed” ending in American English over time.
Practice Using the Verb in Different Tenses
Let’s run the verb “to smell” through all 12 verb tenses of ‘smell’ for clarity.
| Tense Name | Example |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | I smell roses. |
| Past Simple | I smelled/smelt roses. |
| Future Simple | I will smell roses. |
| Present Continuous | I am smelling roses. |
| Past Continuous | I was smelling roses. |
| Future Continuous | I will be smelling roses. |
| Present Perfect | I have smelled/smelt roses. |
| Past Perfect | I had smelled/smelt roses. |
| Future Perfect | I will have smelled roses. |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been smelling roses. |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been smelling roses. |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been smelling roses. |
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Use?
In the great “smelled vs smelt” debate, there’s no clear “winner.” Both are correct but context matters.
- If you’re writing for a US audience, go with “smelled.”
- If you’re using UK English or aiming for a literary tone, “smelt” fits the bill.
- Just stay consistent and remember your audience.
So next time you’re writing and wondering, “Is it smelled or smelt?” trust your context, not just your autocorrect.
